Asylum processing for Syrian claims in the UK will restart, following a pause due to the political situation in Syria. Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle emphasizes thorough assessments to ensure safe returns for those eligible, amid ongoing instability in the region.
UK Resumes Asylum Processing for Syrian Refugees After Long Pause
UK Resumes Asylum Processing for Syrian Refugees After Long Pause
The UK government has announced a lift on the seven-month suspension of asylum claims from Syrian refugees, while ensuring thorough risk assessments.
The UK government has decided to recommence processing asylum claims from Syrian refugees, a process that had been on hold for over seven months due to the political turmoil in Syria after President Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown. Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle stated that the Home Office was compelled to pause these claims to avoid making ill-informed decisions in an unstable environment.
The halt left more than 7,000 Syrians awaiting decisions on their asylum claims, most of whom have been residing in temporary government-funded accommodation. The Home Office is now ready to process these claims, and voluntary returns have already begun for over 20 asylum seekers this year. With hopes to initiate enforced returns by year-end, a senior Home Office official indicated that such actions are approaching.
Eagle reiterated the necessity for comprehensive and evidence-based assessments of individual cases, addressing the concerns of campaigners who highlighted the adverse effects of the pause. The Refugee Council's Chief Executive, Enver Solomon, welcomed the announcement, stressing the need for meticulous, case-specific evaluations to safeguard vulnerable individuals who could face severe consequences if returned to Syria.
As the situation remains precarious in Syria, the new government, primarily controlled by the Islamist militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), presents challenges regarding the return of refugees. The guidance issued by the Home Office requires that applicants demonstrate a credible fear of persecution to qualify for asylum, a criterion that now shifts responsibility back onto the individuals seeking protection.
The recent updates also parallel a thaw in the UK's stance towards Syria, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy making a visit – the first by a UK minister since the onset of the civil war. This diplomatic move reflects a gradual shift as the UK evaluates its relationship with Syria in light of processing asylum claims.
While some EU nations, like Austria, have proceeded with similar claims processing and deportations, UK officials express concerns about the country becoming a more appealing destination for asylum seekers if it does not align its policies with its European counterparts. The announcement raises questions about how these developments influence the broader discourse on migration and asylum within the UK, specifically against the backdrop of rising migration concerns voiced by leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron.
The implications of both the processing of asylum claims and the potential for returns must be handled with a clear understanding of the ongoing risks faced by returning individuals, particularly from specific ethnic or religious backgrounds who may still face discrimination and violence.
